Nebraska Physical Therapist License Requirements

Who This Guide Is For

• New physical therapy graduates applying for an initial Nebraska PT license by examination.
• Licensed PTs relocating to Nebraska seeking licensure through the reciprocity pathway.
• Travel physical therapists evaluating whether to obtain a Nebraska PT Compact privilege rather than full Nebraska licensure.

Nebraska PT Licensing Overview

Nebraska requires a state-issued physical therapist license or an active PT Compact privilege to practice physical therapy in the state. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Licensure Unit administers PT licensure on behalf of the Board of Physical Therapy under the Nebraska Physical Therapy Practice Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§38-2901 to 38-2929) and implementing regulations in Title 172 NAC 137.

Nebraska’s initial licensing process has several features worth noting early. The application is paper-based — there is no online initial application system. Applicants download the PDF, complete it, and mail it to the DHHS Licensure Unit. Additionally, both the NPTE and the Nebraska jurisprudence examination must be passed before submitting the application. As of July 1, 2025, Nebraska transitioned the jurisprudence exam to a new online format called the Nebraska Jurisprudence Assessment Module (NE JAM), replacing the prior NE LAW examination. Both exams are administered through FSBPT.

A fingerprint-based criminal history check is required for all PT applicants under Neb. Rev. Stat. §38-131, with a separate $55 fee paid directly to the Nebraska State Patrol. This check cannot be waived or substituted with a background check obtained for another purpose.

PT Compact

Nebraska is an active member of the PT Compact. Physical therapists whose home state participates in the compact and who hold an active, unencumbered license may purchase a Nebraska compact privilege through ptcompact.org rather than obtaining full Nebraska licensure. Compact privilege holders must be free of disciplinary actions for at least two years and have no encumbrances on any license.

For Nebraska-domiciled PTs seeking compact privileges in other states, Nebraska’s own requirements and renewal cycle apply to the home-state license — Nebraska PTs must maintain an active Nebraska license and remain PT Compact eligible to retain compact privileges in remote states.

NE JAM — Nebraska Jurisprudence Assessment Module

Effective July 1, 2025, Nebraska replaced the NE LAW examination with the NE JAM (Nebraska Jurisprudence Assessment Module). Both formats are administered through FSBPT and require a scaled score of 600 or higher. The transition was announced on the DHHS Physical Therapy page: “During this transition time, you may receive additional communication from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy regarding scheduling the appropriate format of jurisprudence examination.”

Both the NPTE and the NE JAM must be completed and passed before the initial license application can be submitted to DHHS. Study materials and the NE JAM Content Outline are available on the DHHS Physical Therapy page. Passing the NE JAM also counts as 5 CE hours toward the renewal CE requirement, making it useful for applicants who will need CE credit in their first renewal cycle. A separate free Nebraska Law Tutorial is available and earns 1 CE hour for passing with a 100% score — but it is not required and does not replace the NE JAM.

Licensing Requirements

• Age: Applicants must be at least 19 years old. (Application PDF)
• Education: Graduation from an approved physical therapy program with official transcripts sent directly to DHHS showing degree awarded and date conferred. For foreign-educated applicants, a credential evaluation by an approved agency (FCCPT, ICD, or IERF) demonstrating substantially equivalent education is required. English proficiency documentation is required if not from an English-language program. (Application PDF; DHHS PT page)
• NPTE: Passing score of 600 or higher on the National Physical Therapist Examination, administered by FSBPT. Scores must be transferred directly from FSBPT to Nebraska. (Application PDF)
• NE JAM: Passing score of 600 or higher on the Nebraska Jurisprudence Assessment Module. Must be completed before submitting the application. (DHHS PT page; Application PDF)
• Fingerprint Background Check: Required per Neb. Rev. Stat. §38-131. Applicants submit fingerprints to the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP). The NSP will not process the background check until both the $55 fee has been paid and the DHHS Licensure Unit has received the application. Fingerprint cards are available at State Patrol offices, local law enforcement agencies, or by contacting DHHS at 402-471-2299. Write ‘PT 38-131’ in the “Reason Fingerprinted” field. (Application PDF)
• Criminal History Disclosure: All misdemeanor and felony convictions must be disclosed on the application. Court records and a letter of explanation are required for each conviction. Any pending criminal charges or disciplinary actions on other state licenses must be reported to DHHS within 30 days of the conviction or disciplinary action. (Application PDF; Neb. Rev. Stat. §38-131)
• Lawful Presence: All applicants must attest to U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. Non-citizens must submit a photocopy of qualifying documentation (permanent resident card, I-94, EAD, etc.). (Application PDF)
• Non-Practice Provision: Applicants who have not practiced as a physical therapist within the past three years must provide documentation of 50 hours of acceptable CE completed within the three years immediately preceding the application. (Application PDF)
• Other State Licenses: If you hold or have held a PT or health-related license in any other state, verification of that license must be sent directly from that state to DHHS. (Application PDF)

Fee Structure and Waivers

Nebraska prorates the initial license fee based on the month and year of issuance. In even-numbered years, the fee is $133 for all months. In odd-numbered years, the fee is $133 for January through April and November through December, but drops to $33.25 for licenses issued May through October. Payment is by check or money order payable to Licensure Unit — credit and debit cards are not accepted for initial application fees.

Fee waivers are available for three categories of applicants: young workers under age 26, individuals enrolled in qualifying public assistance programs or with household income below 130% of the federal poverty guideline, and military family members. Fee waiver applicants may submit their applications electronically to the DHHS Licensure Unit. The fee waiver does not apply to the $55 background check fee paid to the State Patrol.

How to Apply

1. Download the Physical Therapist License Application PDF from the DHHS PT page at dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/pages/physical-therapy.aspx.
2. Pass both the NPTE (scaled score ≥600) and the NE JAM (scaled score ≥600) through FSBPT before completing and submitting your application.
3. Have your official transcripts sent directly from your institution to the DHHS Licensure Unit, PO Box 94986, Lincoln NE 68509-4986.
4. Request license verifications sent directly from any state where you hold or have held a PT or health-related license.
5. Obtain and submit fingerprints for the background check. Pay the $55 background check fee to the Nebraska State Patrol at ne.gov/go/nsp or by check/money order mailed to NSP Criminal Identification Division.
6. If you have been convicted of any misdemeanor or felony, include court records and a written explanation for each conviction.
7. Complete the application form in full, including the lawful presence attestation.
8. Pay the application fee (check or money order to Licensure Unit) and mail the completed application package to DHHS Licensure Unit, PO Box 94986, Lincoln NE 68509-4986.

Relevant Statutes

• Nebraska DHHS Physical Therapy Licensure Page (NE JAM notice, compact information, CE requirements, contact)
• Nebraska PT Initial Application Information and Application Form (PDF)
• Nebraska Physical Therapy Practice Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§38-2901 to 38-2929)

Related Pages

• Nebraska PT License Renewal
• Iowa PT Licensing
• Kansas PT Licensing

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nebraska require a jurisprudence exam for PT licensure?
Yes. Nebraska requires passage of the Nebraska Jurisprudence Assessment Module (NE JAM) — the new online format that replaced the prior NE LAW examination effective July 1, 2025. A scaled score of 600 or higher is required. Both the NPTE and NE JAM must be passed before the initial license application can be submitted to DHHS. The exam is administered through FSBPT and earns 5 CE hours toward renewal. Source: DHHS PT page (NE JAM transition notice); Application PDF

Can I apply for a Nebraska PT license online?
No. The initial PT licensure application is paper-based. Applicants download the PDF, complete it, and mail it to the DHHS Licensure Unit with the appropriate fee by check or money order. The online portal at nebraska.mylicense.com is used for license renewals only, not initial applications. Fee waiver applicants may submit their applications electronically. Source: Nebraska PT Initial Application PDF

Does Nebraska require a background check for PT licensure?
Yes. A fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history check is required for all initial PT applicants under Neb. Rev. Stat. §38-131. The $55 fee is paid separately to the Nebraska State Patrol. The State Patrol will not process the background check until the fee has been paid and the DHHS Licensure Unit has received the application. Background checks are not expedited. Source: Nebraska PT Initial Application PDF; Neb. Rev. Stat. §38-131

How much does it cost to apply for a Nebraska PT license?
The standard fee is $133, prorated to $33.25 if the license is issued May through October of an odd-numbered year. Fee waivers are available for applicants under 26, qualifying low-income individuals, and military families. These fees are paid by check or money order — credit and debit cards are not accepted. A separate $55 background check fee is paid to the Nebraska State Patrol. Source: Nebraska PT Initial Application PDF — Fee Chart

Is Nebraska a PT Compact member state?
Yes. Nebraska is an active PT Compact member state. Eligible PTs holding an active, unencumbered license in another compact member state may purchase a Nebraska compact privilege through ptcompact.org rather than obtaining full Nebraska licensure. Applicants must be free of disciplinary actions for at least two years and have no encumbrances on any license. Source: DHHS PT page — Compact Information section